Arsenal have their exorcism. The memory of Hull City's riotous evening at the Emirates had hung heavy over these parts in recent weeks, this club's title challenge reduced to a stagger long before their path had crossed any other perceived contenders, though Arsène Wenger could afford, for once, to do without his pre-match motivational handouts on Saturday. All that had been required ahead of this latest test of their credentials was a reminder that anything other than victory would condemn their title challenge to ruin. This win at least hints at recovery.Chelsea, depleted by injuries but still propelled by such quality, had just humiliated Middlesbrough on the television when the hosts strode out here and, by the interval, the prospect of slipping seven points adrift of the leaders had appeared very real. "That would have been too many, even at this stage of the season," conceded Wenger in the aftermath. "That is a mountain to climb. After the shock against Hull, not winning this match would have damaged confidence."

Instead, they will draw encouragement from the second-half revival, partly inspired by Theo Walcott's jet propulsion introduced down the flank, but doubts persist over the team's ability to compete coherently for the title. There is a frailty to this side that will not be hidden by a flattering scoreline.

Wenger described Walcott as "a turbo", but others are misfiring: Emmanuel Adebayor is suffering a lull in confidence, the home support forever edgy when their forward laboured over an extra touch while Everton led. The defence, too, feels fragile. Kolo Touré, William Gallas and Bacary Sagna will all be left behind when the squad travel to Istanbul today for tomorrow's Champions League tie at Fenerbahce. Their absence for that tie is more nuisance than long-term concern, with the safety net of home ties to come, but they will be needed for more onerous league matches over the next month.

Mikaël Silvestre, the veteran debutant, only thrived here once the visitors had drained of confidence, while Alex Song made an unconvincing right-back, tormented by Steven Pienaar and the elusive Leon Osman. That pair had Everton ahead early on and Arsenal's rhythm was out of sync until the interval offered Wenger an opportunity to impose balance. Walcott will surely demand inclusion from now on in.

The winger had been rested after his efforts with England, but he offered cut and thrust to unsettle Everton's poise. "He is exactly the same player to last season, except he is now scoring goals," said Robin van Persie of his team-mate. "There is lots of action from him to go with his pace." Walcott found his reward in stoppage time, ripping a low finish through Tim Howard's legs to complete the comeback started by Samir Nasri immediately after the interval. In between, Van Persie's nod- in after Howard had blocked Cesc Fábregas's shot had edged the hosts ahead.

They benefited from Everton's capitulation. The energy and aggression which had coursed through their first-half efforts ebbed away amid an obsession for pumping aimless long balls towards the 6ft 5in Marouane Fellaini. The visitors have not kept a clean sheet since Derby were beaten in April, some 16 games ago, and next host Manchester United. "We weren't particularly nervous at 0-0, so why should we be nervous at 1-1?" pondered Phil Jagielka. "We are playing better than we did at the start of the season, but the results are pretty much the same."

With Everton already eliminated from two cup competitions, the sense of desperation is rising. David Moyes' future has been assured, though much will depend on whether the club's ownership changes. "We 'achieved' last season and, if we could do it then, we can do it again," said the Everton manager. Expectations grip both these clubs. It remains to be seen just how realistic their aspirations actually are.